H-2B FY 2026 Update for Workers: High Demand, Limited Visas, and What It Means for Your Application

Every year, thousands of workers from around the world apply for H-2B jobs in the United States, hoping for an opportunity to work legally, earn income, and support their families. For FY 2026, interest in the H-2B program is stronger than ever — but visa availability remains very limited.

At JTP Agency, we believe transparency matters. This update explains why not every applicant will be contacted, how the visa numbers work, and what workers should realistically expect during the H-2B recruitment process.

Why H-2B Demand Is So High in 2026

U.S. employers continue to face serious labor shortages in seasonal, non-agricultural industries such as:

Hospitality and tourism
Landscaping and groundskeeping
Construction
Forestry
Seafood processing
Amusement parks and seasonal services

As a result, employers are requesting more H-2B workers than ever before — and recruitment agencies like JTP Agency receive far more applications than available jobs.

Understanding the H-2B Visa Numbers

This is one of the most important things for workers to understand:

The H-2B program is capped by the U.S. government
Only 66,000 total H-2B visas are available each fiscal year
These are divided into two halves of the year
For FY 2026, only 33,000 visas are available for the second half (Out-of-Country or “OOC” workers)

This means that even if thousands of qualified workers apply, there are simply not enough visas for everyone.

Being qualified does not guarantee selection.

Why Not Everyone Will Be Contacted After Submitting a Resume

We understand how frustrating it can be to submit your resume and not hear back. Please know:

Recruitment agencies receive thousands of applications for a limited number of jobs
Employers select workers based on specific job needs, experience, timing, and visa eligibility
Many workers may be qualified but cannot be placed due to visa limits, not because of anything they did wrong

👉 Not being contacted does NOT mean you were rejected permanently
👉 It does NOT mean your application was ignored

It simply reflects the reality of limited visas and extremely high demand.

How Worker Selection Works

When JTP Agency contacts a worker, it is because:

A U.S. employer has an approved job order
The position matches the worker’s experience and availability
The worker is eligible under H-2B program rules
The timing aligns with visa filing and embassy schedules

We never charge workers for job placement, and we do not promise visas. Selection is always based on employer demand and government approval.

Important Reminders for H-2B Workers

❌ No recruiter can guarantee you an H-2B visa
❌ Paying someone does NOT increase your chances
✅ Be cautious of scams or false promises
✅ Keep your resume accurate and up to date
✅ Follow official communication channels only

JTP Agency is committed to ethical recruitment and transparent communication.

What You Can Do If You Are Not Selected

If you are not contacted for FY 2026:

Keep your information updated in our system
Gain additional work experience in your field
Watch for future seasons — H-2B recruitment happens every year
Consider other legal work programs if available

Many workers are selected in later seasons, even if they were not selected the first time.

Final Message to Workers

The H-2B program offers real opportunities — but it is also highly competitive and strictly limited by government caps. For FY 2026, with only 33,000 OOC visas available, not every applicant can move forward, even when demand is high.

At JTP Agency, we value honesty, respect, and ethical recruitment. We appreciate every worker who trusts us with their application and encourage you to stay informed, patient, and cautious.